Question and Answer

Reformed Christianity v. Atheism

Question:

What are the reasons one should believe in Reformed Christianity as put forth by the OPC as opposed to some form of atheistic materialism?

Answer:

Your question is interesting. You seem to be asking why we should believe in a sovereign God as opposed to not believing in any god at all because the only things that are real are those things we can know by our senses—by touch, taste, sight, smell or hearing. This is classic atheism at its finest, or more properly, at its worst. It holds that since God is not accessible to the senses, not only is it impossible to be certain he exists but it is impossible that he does, for all that really exists is that which consists of matter.

The theory fails for want of comprehensive knowledge. The materialist assumes, or presupposes, that what is not matter cannot exist—what you cannot see or taste or feel or hear or smell does not exist. But how does the materialist know? He assumes infinite and comprehensive knowledge, something no human being has.

The theory also fails due to inconsistency. Do thoughts exist? Thoughts about materialism exist? They are not available to the senses because they are not made up of matter. Logic dictates we deny the existence of thoughts if they cannot be tasted, felt, heard or smelled.

Materialism finally falls under the withering words of Paul in Romans 1:18–23,

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

The materialist is really a person who suppresses the truth of what he/she knows about God.

The only alternative is to acknowledge what each human being knows in his heart—the existence of the Creator who sovereignly created all things by the word of his power. That is the Reformed view as held by the OPC.

I hope this answers your question.

About Q&A

"Questions and Answers" is a weekly feature of the OPC website. The answers come from individual ministers in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church expressing their own convictions and do not necessarily represent an "official" position of the Church, especially in areas where the Standards of the Church (the Scriptures and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms) are silent.

The questions come from individuals like yourself. If you have questions about biblical and theological matters, you are invited to send them by e-mail by using the "Pose a Question" link on the OPC home page or by clicking here.

At least one new question is posted each week, so there should always be something new here for you to read. (For those people who would like to look at previous questions and answers, they will continue to be available as well.)

The purpose of the OPC website's "Questions and Answers" is to respond to biblical and theological questions. Matters of church discipline, disputes, or debates go beyond the scope of our work. We recommend that you present your concerns in these areas to the appropriate judicatory. In most cases this will be to a local pastor, elder, or session. We do not want the website to replace personal involvement in, or commitment to, the local, visible church.

While we will respond to every serious questioner, we are not bound to give a substantive answer to every question, should we deem the question to be beyond the scope of our purpose or our own ability to answer.

You will receive an answer by e-mail. Please be patient as many of our respondents are busy pastors. The response to your question may take up to two (2) weeks. Some of the questions submitted will be chosen to be posted here, along with the corresponding answers.

Note that the "Questions and Answers" posted on the site have been editedall personal references are removed, Scripture references or from some source may be added, and sometimes portions are expandedto make the questions and answers more useful to a larger audience.